Does your passport show your criminal record?

Asked by: Mr. Sidney Sanford  |  Last update: December 20, 2025
Score: 5/5 (52 votes)

Your passport is a document that verifies your identity and citizenship, not a comprehensive record of your criminal history.

Is your criminal record tied to your passport?

Passports do not list information about a person's criminal record, including charges for driving under the influence (DUI).

Can customs see your criminal record?

At the border, officials can legally collect your personal and criminal information.

Can you get a passport with a criminal record in the UK?

Depending on the offence and the conviction, it may be possible to get a British passport/citizenship even if you have a criminal record.

What crimes prevent you from getting a passport?

Applying for a US Passport with a Criminal History
  • Federal law (22 U.S. Code § 2714) prohibits issuing a passport to anyone convicted of international drug trafficking. ...
  • Individuals with felony convictions for trafficking minors or “sex tourism” offenses are also unlikely to receive a US passport.

The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record

33 related questions found

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in the UK?

Most of the time, a criminal record does not expire and the police will retain this information for your entire life. However, as long as the offence committed isn't considered a specific offence, a criminal record check could come back clear after 6-10 years.

Can you check if you have a criminal record UK?

You have the right to ask for a copy of records the police have about you on the Police National Computer (PNC) and this request is processed by ACRO.

Does airport security check criminal record?

TSA may also determine that an applicant is not eligible if the security threat assessment process reveals extensive foreign or domestic criminal convictions, a conviction for a serious crime not listed in Part A or B below (including some lesser included offenses of serious crimes; e.g. murder/voluntary manslaughter), ...

Does your criminal record follow you everywhere?

Yes, your criminal records go with you wherever you move, even across state lines. Your criminal history is yours forever in most cases.

What information is linked to your passport?

Everything written in your passport, including identifying details and any travel history it contains. Biometric information stored on the chip. Any information linked to your passport on their system (previous entries, visa applications, deportations, etc.).

What do passport records show?

Name, date and place of birth, Social Security Number, passport information, race, gender, phone number, personal address, email address, nationality, other names, employer/business contact information, biometrics/images, family information, mother's maiden name, arrests and convictions, and legal information.

How do I know if my passport is flagged?

Extended questioning can be a sign that you've been flagged for further inspection. Secondary Inspection: If you're directed to secondary inspection upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, it could indicate that you've been flagged for additional scrutiny.

What do they check for a passport?

You must show at least one of these photo IDs:
  • Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card.
  • In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo.
  • Certificate of Naturalization.
  • Certificate of Citizenship.
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)

Can you apply for a passport while on probation?

654. IMPORTANT! GET PERMISSION FROM YOUR PAROLE OR PROBATION OFFICER TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT OR TRAVEL: If you are on supervision (like parole or probation), you MUST get permission from your parole or probation officer if you want to apply for a Passport (even if you are legally allowed to leave the country).

Can other countries see your criminal record?

Most foreign officials do not check for criminal records, but they have every right to do so if they choose. Each country can handle criminal records however they want, depending on their laws. INTERPOL tracks international criminal records in their database for all participating countries.

Do they run your name at the airport?

Typically, the TSA doesn't verify your identification. However, they frequently perform routine checks to ascertain that the name on your identification matches the one on your boarding pass.

How do customs know if you have a criminal record?

One of the primary databases they use is one the FBI uses, called the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This database is an index of criminal justice information, such as criminal record history. Additionally, the immigration officers have access to: The Terrorist Screening Database the FBI uses.

What shows up on a background check UK?

What is covered in a background check in the UK?
  • employment history.
  • education history.
  • right to work.
  • criminal record.
  • social media usage.
  • drug screenings.
  • medical history.
  • financial records.

What shows up on a DBS check?

A Standard DBS check is suitable for certain roles, such as a security guard. The certificate will contain details of both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are held on the Police National Computer, which are not subject to filtering.

How do I check my criminal record in the UK for free?

However, under the Data Protection Act, you're able to ask the police for a copy of your criminal record. This is known as a 'subject access request' (SAR). The SAR is free, and the police have up to one calendar month to supply it. For more details on how to apply, see our information on police records.

What age does your criminal record reset?

A record is automatically sealed if the person has reached the age of 19, the delinquent conduct was not was not a felony, the person does not have any pending proceedings, has not been transferred from juvenile to criminal court, as an adult has not been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony punishable by jail, and ...

What jobs can you not get with a criminal record in the UK?

For example, any violent or sexual offence will mean you cannot work with children or vulnerable adults. This will mean that you cannot work in jobs such as doctor, nurse, teacher, or social worker. Financial crimes such as fraud or theft might mean you cannot work in a position of trust involving money.